World | Philippines

Palace tells ex-official to return to face charges

A former government executive implicated in the anomalous purchase of fertilisers in 2004 was advised by the palace to face the charges against him so that he can clear his name.

  • By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
  • Published: 23:47 September 3, 2008
  • Gulf News

Manila: A former government executive implicated in the anomalous purchase of fertilisers in 2004 was advised by the palace to face the charges against him so that he can clear his name.

Former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante should return to the Philippines to air his side on the controversy implicating him to the $15 million (Dh55 million) fertiliser scandal, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.

"Bolante should return to the Philippines and face the controversy after the US Court of Appeals rejected his bid for asylum," Ermita said in a press briefing.

"The government cannot do anything more for him," Ermita said in Filipino.

Nevertheless, he said the government will still come to Bolante's aid and provide him with privileges due to any other Filipino who gets into legal problems abroad.

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